international laboratories · microbiological contamination in fruit and vegetables....

INTERNATIONAL LABORATORIES

TLR INTERNATIONAL LABORATORIES+31 (0)10 282 32 92

[email protected]

ADDRESSBankwerkerstraat 16

3077 MB Rotterdam

The Netherlands

POSTP.O. BOX 91244

3007 ME Rotterdam

The Netherlands

INTERNATIONAL LABORATORIES

I

FAST, COMPREHENSIVEANALYSIS OFFOOD, FEED & FUEL

‘FAST, COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF FOOD, FEED & FUEL’

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Welcome to TLR International Laboratories, an independent lab facility for chemical analysis,microbiological analysis, DNA analysis, PCR, and analysis interpretations. TLR is a modern lab inRotterdam, The Netherlands where highly trained staff work with state-of-the-art instruments topresent the best, most reliable results in ways our clients can use. TLR specialises in analysing foods,feed and ingredients for the feed industry, as well as fuel and biomass products.

FAST, ACCURATE, USABLE ANALYSESFOR YOUR COMPANY

When food, feed and fuel products are submitted

to us for analysis, quality and safety are the highest

priority – for our clients and for us. Reliable analysis

results are the least you can expect from your

laboratory. TLR is internationally accredited to

perform a wide-ranging array of chemical,

microbiological and DNA analyses. We constantly

expand our range of services to include innovative,

high-quality solutions so we can keep meeting your

needs optimally.

Fast turnaround times are guaranteed at TLR. We

can achieve these speeds by having our expert staff

work with state-of-the-art equipment in a cutting-

edge modern environment. All analyses are

performed quickly and efficiently from a single

location, saving you time and money.

Personal contact is very important to us. At TLR,

you have a single point of contact: an account

manager who has a solid understanding of the

process. And a list of analysis results isn’t where we

stop; we also provide you with an interpretation of

what your results mean, tailored to your company

and your specific analysis needs.

TLR is a member of the Peterson and Control Union

network. This network consists of independently

operating service providers that specialise in

inspection and certification of food, feed,

ingredients for mixed foods, textiles and fuel.

Most of the companies operate under the Peterson

and Control Union trade names. This international

network allows us to take samples all around the

world. These connections also ensure that the

consultants at TLR and its fellow companies can be

deployed and consulted for advice on quality issues

worldwide.

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We can provide standard analysis for

determining the exact nutritional content of

your food products, as well as more complex

methods for detecting residues and

contaminants, such as pesticides, dioxins or

melamine. TLR also performs classical

microbiological analyses, such as plate counts,

as well as modern PCR techniques for

pathogenic bacteria like salmonella, or

enteropathogenic E. coli and E. coli O157. PCR

screening is used to detect genetically modified

variants and allergens. TLR can test your

products and ingredients for foreign

contaminants, damaged kernels of grain,

or toxic seeds.

The minimum and maximum shelf life of your

products is also a vital factor in food safety. Our

lab analyses and statistical evaluations allow us

to determine those figures precisely. In

microbiological challenge tests, our specialists

research whether your food product, animal

feed or ingredient would provide a productive

medium for pathogenic bacteria. If this turns

out to be the case, we can offer solutions in the

form of various combinations of preservation

technologies.

In the food industry, quality and safety are considered public health issues. The governmenthas imposed strict rules on food products. In this stringent regulatory framework, rapidresponses, fully reliable analysis results and complete clarity are essential. TLR has theknowledge, expertise and technical capacity to quickly and expertly navigate this vulnerablemarket.

A WIDE RANGE OF FOOD ANALYSIS OPTIONS

Residues• Pesticides

• Fungicides, such as dithiocarbamates

• Herbicides like glyphosate

• Biocides

Chemicals and chemical contaminants• Nitrate and nitrite

• Heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury

• Dioxins

• Mycotoxins like aflatoxin and ochratoxin

Microbiological parameters• Total germ count

• Pathogens like salmonella and enteropathogenic

E. coli (EHEC / STEC)

• Bacteria that cause spoilage, such as

alicyclobacillus

• Viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A

• Patulin

Nutritional content and composition• Protein

• Fat

• Carbohydrates

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Trace elements

• Water

Genetic characteristics• Identifying GMOs

ANALYSES FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS

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‘Analyse pesticides within 24 hours’

In addition to chemical analyses, TLR can also quickly

determine microbiological quality and safety, as well as

the presence of mycotoxins. Poor manual hygiene and

contaminated rinse water are common causes of

microbiological contamination in fruit and vegetables.

Enteropathogenic E. coli is also sometimes found in

fruit and vegetables. TLR is accredited to detect its

presence. Viruses can survive in the wax layer used to

encase certain types of fruit. When analysing these

products, TLR can detect the presence of e.g. the

norovirus and hepatitis A.

It goes without saying that maximum reliability is

absolutely required for an analysis laboratory like TLR.

With the wide range of analyses we offer, we support

companies in their operations according to quality

standards like QS, GlobalGap, IFS and BRC.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLESFresh produce is a perishable product group that spoils quickly, necessitating a rapid response. Wouldyou like your fruit and vegetables tested for significant contamination and chemicals? TLR recommendsthat fruit and vegetable samples should be analysed within 24 to 48 hours.

‘Diverse array of analyses in a single location’


• Fungicides such as dithiocarbamates


• Biocides

Chemical components and contaminants• Fatty acid profile (PUFA, MUFA, omega-3

fatty acids, trans-unsaturated fatty acids)

• Free fatty acids

• Tocopherol

• Lecithin

• Cholesterol

• Peroxide

• Water

• Mineral oils

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons


• Dioxins


• MOSH and MOAH

Microbiological parameters


ANALYSES FOR OILS AND FATS

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Do you need to know the quality and composition of specific oils and fats? TLR can determine andquantify key quality parameters and components of oils and fats. That includes the fatty acid profile andlevels of free fatty acids, tocopherol, cholesterol, lecithin, peroxide and water.

OILS AND FATS

TLR also offers a wide range of analyses to identify

residues and contaminants, such as pesticides,

mycotoxins, heavy metals, or polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons. Detecting the presence of dioxins is

an important step in risk management. The same

applies to traces of GMOs and fat-soluble

components that have migrated into food or feed

from the packaging, for instance mineral oils.

Our analysis services can help you maintain

compliance with food safety standards like IFS and

BRC, as well as the HACCP analyses that are

required by law. TLR is accredited by the

Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations

(FOSFA) and the Netherlands Oils, Fats and

Oilseeds Trade Association (NOFOTA) and

qualified to analyse oilseeds and derivative

products. As a member of FEDIOL, the EU

vegetable oil and proteinmeal industry association,

TLR supports the mission to assure the quality and

safety of oils, fats and related products.

Residues and chemical contaminants• Pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, biocides)

• Dioxins

• PCBs

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)


• Radiation



• Pathogens like salmonella

• Spoilage bacteria

• Yeasts

• Fungi

• Viruses


• Fat

• Carbohydrates

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Trace elements

Microscopic techniques

ANALYSES FOR NUTS AND DRIED FRUITS

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Numerous analyses are available to detect residues

and contaminants, such as dioxins, PCBs, heavy

metals or pesticides. Our laboratory can also assess

all sorts of microbiological parameters, from the

total germ count to characterisation of pathogens

like salmonella, or tracing viruses. TLR can of course

also precisely determine the nutritional content,

such as protein and fat levels.

Fungal development is one of the problems in

cultivation and storage of nuts. Fungi could

produce mycotoxins that are harmful to human and

animal health. One example is aflatoxin, which

occurs in mildewed nuts and peanuts. A maximum

threshold for mycotoxins in various food products

has been established in the European Union. TLR

can accurately and precisely detect the presence of

mycotoxins and determine whether the toxin levels

are within European limits.

NUTS AND DRIED FRUITSWould you like to know exactly what your nuts contain? Or trace unintended additives in your driedfruits? TLR offers a wide-ranging array of analyses for monitoring the quality and food safety of nuts anddried fruits. All analyses are performed in our laboratory in Rotterdam, enabling to schedule youranalysis quickly and efficiently.

‘TLR offers a wide-ranging portfolio of specific analyses’

ANALYSES FOR CEREALS, FLOUR AND BAKERY PRODUCTS

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• Dioxins

• PCBs



• Radiation



• Pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, S. aureus

and B. cereus


• Yeasts

• Fungi



• Fat

• Carbohydrates

• Dietary fibre

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Trace elements

• Water

• Sugar (mono-, di- and oligosaccharides)

• Sugar alcohols

• Sweeteners

• Acrylamide

Cereal and baking quality• Protein content and protein quality

(Kjeldahl method and NIR)

• Rheological tests (alveograph)

• Falling number

• Sedimentation value (Zeleny index)

• Impurities (‘admixture’)

Genetic characteristics• Authenticity assessment using DNA sequencing

and PCR techniques

Microscopic techniques

In order to determine the quality of cereals and

flour, TLR analyses moisture levels and assesses

protein levels and quality. We use the Kjeldahl

method and near-infrared (NIR) techniques for this

purpose. We can also develop specific NIR

calibrations tailored to your preferences, and

perform rheological tests with the alveograph.

Other routine analyses include falling number,

sedimentation level (Zeleny index) and detection of

impurities, such as seeds, chaff or dirt (the

‘admixture’).

TLR also offers a wide-ranging array of methods

and tests for analysis of the nutritional content,

composition, microbiological quality and safety of

bakery products, from total germ count to specific

tests for pathogens. For example, we can

characterise salmonella within 36 hours.

Moreover, TLR offers an extensive range of

accredited analyses for identifying pesticides,

mycotoxins, dioxins, heavy metals or PAHs. We

help you maintain compliance with European

quality standards such as GMP+, QS, GFSI, IFS and

BRC, as well as HACCP. TLR has been approved by

the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA) as

an analysis laboratory and can perform all GAFTA

analyses.

What is the quality of your flour? TLR analyses your cereals, flour and bakery products and lets youknow. Thanks in part to our close proximity to one of the most important grain ports in the EuropeanUnion, we have extensive experience in quality analysis of cereals and cereal products.

CEREALS, FLOUR ANDBAKERY PRODUCTS

‘Close proximity to the EU's largest grain ports’


• Dioxins

• PCBs



• Radiation



• Pathogens like salmonella


• Yeasts

• Fungi

• Viruses


• Fat

• Carbohydrates

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Trace elements

• Fatty acid profile

• Free fatty acids

• Unsaponifiable matter

• Water

• Alkaloids like caffeine and theobromine

• Sugar (mono-, di- and oligosaccharides)

• Sugar alcohols

• Sweeteners

• Organic acids

Microscopic techniques• Grading of cacao beans

ANALYSES FOR CACAO AND CHOCOLATE 1514

Are you eager to assure the quality of your cacao and chocolate products and seeking continuedoptimisation? TLR is ready to assist you with a wide range of specific analyses. Cacao and chocolateare subject to all sorts of requirements that are laid down in European regulations; the requirementsunder Dutch law are defined in the Commodities Act Degree on Cacao and Chocolate. There areregulations for microbiological, chemical and labelling requirements.

CACAO AND CHOCOLATE

Relevant analyses including cacao bean grading,

which we base on microscopic techniques. We

perform authenticity assessment for beans and

chocolate based on DNA methods. We can also

check whether the fat profile of the chocolate

conforms to statutory requirements and determine

the nutritional content. TLR also has various testing

options at its disposal to detect residues and

contaminants, such as analysis of dioxins, PCBs,

heavy metals or pesticides. We can also map out all

sorts of microbiological parameters. Examples

include detecting and characterising pathogenic

bacteria like salmonella, listeria monocytogenes,

bacillus cereus and staphylococcus aureus.

Our international network allows us to arrange

professional sampling worldwide through affiliated

companies like Peterson and Control Union.

‘All your analysis needs met quickly and efficiently

in a single lab’


• Fungicides such as dithiocarbamates


• Biocides

Chemicals and chemical contaminants• Nitrate and nitrite



• Azodyes



• Pathogens like salmonella and enteropathogenic

E. coli (EHEC / STEC)

• Lactobacillae


• Fat

• Carbohydrates

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Trace elements


• Water


ANALYSES FOR HERBS AND SPICES

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‘Not just the results, but the interpretation that meets

your company’s needs‘

Need to have your herbs and spices subjected to monitoring and analysis within 24 to 48 hours?That time frame is standard at TLR. Rapid delivery is crucial for perishable fresh ingredients likeherbs and spices. And you’d also like your dried herbs and spices to be tested quickly and efficientlyfor the presence of e.g. heavy metals and colourants.

HERBS AND SPICES

TLR provides monitoring within 24 hours for nitrate

and within up to 48 hours for pesticides such as

insecticides, fungicides and biocides. In addition,

TLR can analyse dried herbs and spices for the

presence of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Herbs and spices are regularly treated with artificial

colourants using azodyes. These could include

prohibited or harmful dyes like Sudan red. If the

dyes are permitted colouring agents that are listed

in the Commodities Act Decree on the use of

colourants in foodstuffs, their presence must be

stated on the label. TLR can determine the quantity

of azodye with great precision.

Herbs and spices are extremely susceptible to

microbiological contamination. These ingredients

are often cultivated and dried under unhygienic

conditions in tropical regions. For that reason, TLR

offers an extensive range of microbiological

analyses. The analyses generally include total germ

count, lactobacilli, and enterobacteriaceae such as

salmonellae and enteropathogenic E. Coli (EHEC /

STEC). TLR can also detect the presence of

mycotoxins.

We can also arrange professional sampling on your

behalf. If necessary, we can call on our international

network of affiliates like Peterson and Control Union

to arrange sampling for you anywhere in the world.

‘Sampling and advice around the globe via the Peterson

and Control Union network’

Residues• Veterinary drugs

• Pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, biocides)

Chemicals and chemical contaminants• Dioxins

• PCBs



• Radiation

Microbiological parameters and spoilage parameters• Total germ count

• Pathogens like salmonella, enteropathogenic E. coli

(EHEC / STEC), Bacillus and Vibrio Spp

• Yeasts

• Fungi

• TVBN

• Histamine

• Mycotoxins


• Fat

• Carbohydrates

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Trace elements


• Water

ANALYSES FOR FISH AND SHELLFISH

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Does your seafood still meet your standards of quality? Fish, crustaceans and molluscs are among themost frequently traded food products in the world. Production is gradually shifting from wild-caught fishto aquaculture, under pressure from overfishing and the growing demand. As certain seafood productsgrow scarcer, unauthorised substitution by less exclusive species may sometimes take place.

SEAFOOD AND SHELLFISH

Quality is related in part to the origin of the

seafood species. TLR can identify fraud by tracing

the origins of the fish or shellfish. In these analyses,

we use DNA sequencing or PCR techniques.

Another parameter that indicates quality is the

freshness of the seafood products, which can be

measured using the total volatile base nitrogen

(TVBN). Threshold levels have been set for this

value in the European Union, as well as for

histamine levels. Spoilage can cause histamine

levels to rise, possibly leading to food poisoning.

TVBN and histamine assessment are also within the

scope of TLR’s services. Obviously, we also offer

microbiological analyses, for instance for yeasts,

fungi, E. coli, Bacillus, norovirus and Vibrio Spp.

Nutritional content is also important. TLR can use

measuring equipment to precisely determine levels

of protein, fat, carbohydrates, water and vitamins.

In addition, TLR can check for (environmental)

contaminants and residues like pesticides,

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins,

PCBs, heavy metals, residues of veterinary drugs,

and radioactive contamination.

‘Including pathogen testing for enteropathogenic

E. coli (EHEC-STEC)’

Residues• Veterinary drugs

• Pesticides (fungicides, herbicides, biocides)

Chemical components and contaminants• Dioxins

• PCBs



• Radiation


• Pathogens like salmonella, enteropathogenic E.

coli (EHEC / STEC) and listeria


• Yeasts

• Fungi



• Fat

• Carbohydrates

• Vitamins

• Minerals

• Trace elements


• Water

Genetic characteristics• Detecting species and origin with DNA

sequencing and PCR techniques

ANALYSES FOR MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS

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TLR has modern DNA sequencing and PCR

techniques at its disposal to provide evidence of

fraud – like selling horsemeat as beef. In addition,

we can check for a wider range of (environmental)

contaminants and residues, such as pesticides,

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins,

PCBs, heavy metals, residues of veterinary drugs,

and radioactive contamination.

We also offer pathogen testing, including tests for

clostridium botulinum, enteropathogenic E. coli

(EHEC – ESTEC), listeria and salmonella.

TLR performs salmonella characterisation using the

checkpoint method, which allows us to confirm the

type within 36 hours. Our scope also includes

detecting viruses like norovirus or hepatitis A.

The nutritional content of meat products and

correct labelling are important. TLR analyses the

levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, vitamins,

minerals and trace elements in your products.

Are you looking for a laboratory that analyses your meat products quickly? TLR understands that rapidanalysis is crucial for a perishable, frequently sold product group like meat. We perform lots of differentanalyses to determine nutritional content, quality and food safety, and to detect food fraud. Allanalyses are performed in a single location. This allows us to achieve significant time savings.

MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS

‘Innovative services and analysis methods so we can offer

you future-proof solutions’

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TLR DOES MORE ON YOUR BEHALF

Expert advice tailored to your needsThe TLR consultants can offer wide-ranging advice

on enforcing and improving food safety and quality,

troubleshooting, helping achieve the intended

standard of product quality in production, and

assisting in risk assessment and risk evaluation of

food production processes according to methods

and standards such as HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP+,

GLOBALGAP, BRC, IFS and QS.

Quality and safety trainingTLR offers tailor-made training programmes in food

quality and food safety for your ranking staff and

employees. Your staff will acquire the relevant skills

they need to achieve your management goals. We

target all segments of the food sector, including

catering, food production and distribution, and

retail.

Solutions that suit your needsThe range of services provided by TLR are not

easily described in a short, simple phrase. On the

one hand, this is because we are dedicated to

ongoing innovation, so we frequently add new

services and advanced analysis methods to our

range. Conversely, we deliver tailor-made solutions

for analyses and other research questions whenever

necessary.

Do you have a question for us? Feel free to call or e-mail; our team of account

managers is ready to help you find a solution that

suits your needs!

Besides its extensive package of analyses, TLR can mean a lot more to you. We can help you navigatethe regulatory framework and arrange sampling – within the European Union, but also worldwidethanks to the international network of our affiliate companies: Peterson and Control Union.

ACCREDITATIONS

TLR is NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by

the Dutch Accreditation Council.

In addition, TLR is accredited, certified or

approved by the following international

organisations:

1 FOSFA - Federation Oils, Seeds & Fats

Associations Ltd.

FEDIOL - European Vegetable Oil and

Proteinmeal Industry

NOFOTA - Netherlands Oils, Fats and

Oilseeds Trade Association

GAFTA - Grain and Feed Trade Association

VERNOF - Association of Dutch Producers

of Edible Oils and Fats

QS - Qualität & Sicherheit (scope:

feed, and fruit & vegetables)

GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance scheme

OVOCOM Platform Animal Feed chain

GlobalGAP

VLOG (Verband Lebensmittel Ohne Gentechnik)

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international laboratories · microbiological contamination in fruit and vegetables....

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